cynical

Word Origin & History

1580s, "resembling Cynic philosophers," from cynic + -al (1). By late 17c. the meaning had shaded into the general one of "critical, disparaging the motives of others, captious, sneering, peevish." Related: Cynically.

Example Sentences for cynical

But Robin didn't laugh; his eyes, morose and cynical, held her there.

But Mary stood rebellious, and spoke with a resumption of her cynical scorn.

But theft, cynical theft for the purpose of profit and enjoyment, is beyond me!

I remembered how cynical she had always been as to the merits of her own sex.

But what virtue is there in waiting, our cynical friend would ask.

Armorer ...

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